F1 Viewership in US: Growth Potential & Apple’s Role | 2024 Data

Melbourne, Australia – A new era of Formula 1 racing in the United States has begun, with Apple now the exclusive broadcaster of the sport for American viewers. The 2026 season officially kicked off this weekend with the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026, and Apple TV subscribers across the U.S. Now have access to live and on-demand coverage of every race, practice session, qualifying round, and Sprint session. This marks a significant shift in how American fans consume Formula 1, and a bold move by Apple to further integrate itself into the world of sports entertainment.

The partnership, announced earlier this year, represents a substantial investment by Apple in live sports content. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, emphasized the company’s excitement about bringing “every moment of the season” to Apple TV, aiming to deliver an “immersive experience designed entirely around fans.” Formula 1’s official website details the extensive integration across Apple’s ecosystem, extending beyond the TV app to include features within Apple Maps and Apple News.

A Comprehensive F1 Experience on Apple TV

Apple isn’t simply offering a live feed of the races. The integration is designed to be comprehensive, offering a range of features intended to enhance the viewing experience. Subscribers to Apple TV will find a dedicated Formula 1 tab within the app, providing quick access to live broadcasts, on-demand replays, and curated programming. According to Apple’s official newsroom announcement, this includes the ability to utilize “Multiview” modes on Apple TV 4K, iPad, and Vision Pro, allowing fans to watch multiple driver perspectives simultaneously. A unique feature allows viewers to switch to the onboard camera of the race leader in real-time.

The Apple TV app will also feature promotions for ongoing races on its Home tab, enabling seamless transitions from previews to live streams. Beyond the races themselves, Apple is leveraging its broader platform to increase F1’s visibility. Integration with Apple Music and Podcasts will provide race-day audio commentary, and the popular Netflix docuseries “Drive to Survive” is now available to Apple TV subscribers. This strategic bundling aims to attract a wider audience and deepen engagement with the sport.

Expanding F1’s Reach in the United States

The move to Apple TV comes at a time of growing interest in Formula 1 within the United States. Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s President and CEO, noted the “extraordinary growth” of the sport in America, stating that Apple is joining at “the perfect time” as F1 embarks on a period of significant change with new teams, cars, engines, and drivers. While the average number of F1 viewers in the United States is approximately 1.3 million, as noted in initial reports, the potential for growth is substantial when compared to the viewership numbers of major American leagues like the NFL.

Apple’s investment is expected to accelerate this growth by making F1 more accessible to a broader audience. The Apple TV subscription model – priced at $12.99/month or $99/year – and its inclusion in Apple One bundles, aims to lower the barrier to entry for potential fans. The company’s marketing reach and established user base provide a powerful platform for promoting the sport.

Beyond the Broadcast: Apple’s Ecosystem Integration

The partnership extends beyond simply broadcasting the races. Apple is integrating F1 into several of its core services. Apple Maps will offer real-time race data and 3D map navigation of the circuits, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the tracks and race strategies. Apple News will deliver curated F1 content, including race previews, results, and analysis. As reported by 9to5Mac, this holistic approach aims to create a fully immersive F1 experience for Apple users.

This level of integration is a key differentiator for Apple. Unlike traditional broadcast deals, Apple is leveraging its entire ecosystem to engage fans at multiple touchpoints. This strategy aligns with Apple’s broader approach to services, which focuses on creating a seamless and integrated user experience. The company’s ability to combine live sports content with its existing services and devices positions it as a major player in the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting.

What Which means for Formula 1 Fans

For American Formula 1 fans, the Apple TV deal promises a more accessible and immersive viewing experience. The availability of all practice, qualifying, Sprint, and Grand Prix sessions on-demand provides unprecedented flexibility. The Multiview feature and onboard camera options offer new ways to engage with the races. The integration with Apple’s other services provides a wealth of supplementary content, enhancing the overall fan experience.

The success of this partnership will likely depend on Apple’s ability to attract and retain viewers. While F1’s popularity is growing in the U.S., it still lags behind other major sports. Apple’s marketing efforts and the quality of its broadcast coverage will be crucial in converting casual observers into dedicated fans. The company’s track record of delivering high-quality content and user-friendly experiences suggests that it is well-positioned to succeed.

The Australian Grand Prix this weekend marks the beginning of this new chapter for Formula 1 in the United States. Fans can access all the action through Apple TV, and explore the curated programming at apple.co/f1onappletv. The coming months will reveal whether Apple’s ambitious integration strategy can truly unlock the full potential of Formula 1 in the American market.

The next major event on the Formula 1 calendar is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, scheduled for March 14th, 2026, in Jeddah. Fans can expect continued coverage and innovative features on Apple TV as the season progresses. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the new Apple TV F1 experience in the comments below.